South Africa Western Cape - where is a good place to go horse riding near the coast?

Question

We want to stay in a nice area and use it as a base for a day or 2 riding. Perhaps somewhere near where I can go shark diving too. Accommodation tips in suggested locations would also be appreciated! Thanks

Answer 1

Go to Noordhoek, they have fantastic Horse riding stables that offer sunset rides etc. There are many B&B's in that area that are affordable and beautiful.
Use this link ;
http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/noordhoek/bed-and-breakfasts.aspx

The Shark dives are offered mainly in an area called GaansBaai. Most companies will fetch you from your accomodation drive you there (its about a 2hr drive from CT central), they give you breakfast before you actually go on the boat and lunch when you return. Try www. whitesharkadventures.com for info on the fantastic company i used when i went on a shark dive last year.

Answer 2

You must come to my town - wonderful Hermanus! It offers trails for horse riding, and is close to Gaansbai for shark diving. And it is a lot more beautiful than Gaansbai!

I often see horses on the magnificent Grotto Beach (very large beach in Hermanus). I don't ride myself, but I have found websites for two companies that offer horse trails:

http://www.africanhorseco.com/
http://www.horsetrailsafaris.co.za/

The best established shark diving tour company is The Shark Lady www.sharklady.co.za. They have a shop in Hermanus, but operate in Gaansbai.

Since I live here, I haven't tried any of the accommodation establishments, but there is so many to choose from. It really depends on your budget and whether you are looking for a B&B or self catering. I think these lakeview chalets look very nice from the outside http://www.hermanus.co.za/accom/lakeview/ - they are situated close to the lagoon, and the beach, and are self catering.

You can see a list of the accomodation in Hermanus here: http://www.hermanus.co.za/accom/
Voelklip is probably the nicest area to stay in, as it is close to all the beaches and the mountain.

Answer 3

The best place for shark diving in the world is Gansbaai. I am not aware of horseriding close by. In any event it is probably not the ideal place to stay. I would rather recommend that you look at staying at the town of Hermanus less than 40km away. It has much better facilities, is pretty, caters for tourism, has whale watching, wine estates etc. go to www.hermanus.co.za for details as well as accommodation. See the website below for riding

Answer 4

You got it - Mosaic Farm near Stanford (between Hermanus and Gansbaai) has horseback riding. They have a website, and a 4 star rating - and are near shark diving (if you mean in cages and not diving with sharks proper, like they do around Aliwal and Shelly Beach in Kwazulu Natal).

Answer 5

Take notice has given a very comprehensive answer, worth checking into.

I had a thought though that if you went slightly out of town to Hermanus or Arniston you could do both as well. The beaches in both locations are magnificent.

In any event enjoy your stay and riding.

Answer 6

takenotices answer is completely right.i cant add anything more to that.